2025 marks a pivotal year for DC, with James Gunn's Superman film set to kickstart the new DCU on the big screen, alongside a robust lineup of film and television projects from DC Studios and the groundbreaking Absolute Universe in the comics. However, amid the buzz surrounding this new wave of DC content, a glaring question remains unanswered: What's the plan for Wonder Woman? Created by William Moulton Marston and H. G. Peter, this iconic superhero and central figure in the DC universe seems to be fading from the spotlight in recent franchise media.
Outside of the comics, Wonder Woman, or Diana of Themyscira, has faced a series of setbacks. Her live-action film series lost momentum following the mixed reception of Wonder Woman 1984, and she is conspicuously absent from the current DCU slate, with Gunn and his team prioritizing a series on the Amazons. Moreover, Wonder Woman has never had her own animated series and her anticipated solo video game, announced in 2021, was cancelled. This raises concerns about Warner Bros.' strategy for one of the most iconic female superheroes. Let's delve into how Warner Bros. and DC might be mishandling Wonder Woman's potential.
One Hit Wonder
During the fierce competition between the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the DCEU in the late 2010s, the first Wonder Woman film emerged as a standout success for DC. Released in 2017, it garnered largely positive reviews and grossed over $800 million worldwide. After the polarizing receptions of Batman v Superman and Suicide Squad, Patty Jenkins' take on Diana resonated deeply with audiences, despite some third act problems and a performance from Gal Gadot that emphasized poise over depth. This success should have paved the way for a thriving franchise.
However, the sequel, Wonder Woman 1984, released in 2020, didn't live up to expectations. It divided critics and failed to recoup its budget due to its simultaneous release on HBO Max and in theaters amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The film's narrative issues, tonal inconsistencies, and controversial elements—such as Diana having sex with Steve Trevor in another man's body—further alienated viewers. Despite these setbacks, the lack of a third film in development is puzzling, especially when characters like Batman and Spider-Man receive multiple reboots. The absence of Wonder Woman in other franchise media is equally concerning.
Diana Prince, Missing in Action
With the new DCU set to introduce a fresh slate of adaptations, one might expect Wonder Woman to be a priority. Yet, the Chapter One: Gods and Monsters lineup omits any dedicated Wonder Woman project. Instead, James Gunn and Peter Safran have chosen to focus on lesser-known properties like Creature Commandos, Swamp Thing, Booster Gold, and The Authority, alongside new iterations of Superman, Batman, and Green Lantern. While there's merit in exploring obscure characters, the exclusion of Wonder Woman is noticeable.
DC Universe: Every Upcoming Movie and TV Show
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The announced Paradise Lost series, set before Wonder Woman's birth and focusing on the Amazons of Themyscira, is a curious choice. While enriching the mythology is commendable, a series within the Wonder Woman franchise that doesn't feature Wonder Woman evokes comparisons to the Sony Marvel Universe. This raises questions about why DC Studios doesn't view Diana as the primary draw over her associated world-building. The urgency to launch a new Batman project, potentially leading to two concurrent live-action Batman franchises, contrasts starkly with the lack of a Wonder Woman project.
Historically, the DC Animated Universe of the '90s and early 2000s prominently featured Wonder Woman in Justice League and Justice League Unlimited, yet she never received a solo animated series, unlike Batman and Superman. Even in direct-to-video animated films, she has starred in only two out of many: Wonder Woman in 2009 and Wonder Woman: Bloodlines in 2019. Given the popularity of superhero media over the past decades, the absence of a dedicated Wonder Woman project is perplexing.
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Let Me Play as Wonder Woman, Dammit
The recent cancellation of the Wonder Woman game by Monolith Productions adds to the frustration. While it's unclear whether the poor performance of games like Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League and MultiVersus contributed to its demise, the loss of what would have been Diana's first leading role in a video game feels like a missed opportunity. In an era where character action games are experiencing a revival, a game featuring Wonder Woman akin to God of War or Ninja Gaiden seems like a natural fit.
Although Diana has been playable in games like Injustice, Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe, and various LEGO DC titles, the lack of a AAA action game starring her is glaring. DC's failure to capitalize on the success of the Batman Arkham series with games centered on Wonder Woman, Superman, and the Justice League represents a significant missed opportunity. The fact that her first appearance in the Arkham timeline in Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League results in her death as a non-playable character, while male Justice League members survive as evil clones, only adds insult to injury.
The combination of a struggling film franchise, the absence of dedicated animated content, and inadequate video game representation reflects a troubling lack of respect by Warner Bros. and DC for one of their most culturally significant characters. If such disregard is shown for a cornerstone of their roster, it casts doubt on their commitment to the broader DC brand. As Gunn's Superman reboot aims to rejuvenate the DCU, it's crucial that Warner Bros. recognizes the immense value that Wonder Woman, or Diana Prince, can bring to their universe. After nearly a century, both she and her fans deserve more.
